What’s the Difference?

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What’s the difference between a Christ-follower and a non-believer? Is there a difference? Should there be? 

This is not a new question about the way Christians live, but sadly it is an issue worth addressing. It is an issue that dates back to the first century church, but I am of the opinion that today’s Christians too often blend in with the world. Of course, we have to be in the world in order to be salt and light, but the world shouldn’t overcome us.

The current climate of our society is dominated by social media, political division, entitlement, and intolerance. In my opinion, these are the areas where Christ-followers must be different. 

In Galatians 5:25,  Paul writes, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Walking in the Spirit describes how a Christian should live their life. It means to live a life that is guided by the Holy Spirit, and is characterized by living a life that is filled with humility, grace, and thankfulness to God; living a life that is guided by the Spirit's teachings, characterized by self-control and moderation; and living a life that is characterized by a deep relationship with God.
How are our social media posts different from those of the world? The language, tone, and activities of some cannot be distinguished from those who don’t profess Christ. Is that walking by the Spirit?
We don’t have to be weird, exclusive, or isolated in order to shine our light. Rather we should shine like stars that draws people to Christ rather than us becoming undistinguishable from the worldly lifestyle. As someone once said, “We should be winsome so that we might win some.”

Philippians 2:15 says, "Then you will shine AMONG THEM like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life".

Let us examine ourselves and strive to be different from the world as the Bible exhorts us to do. Let’s make a difference!

Comments

  1. Lew KingOctober 9, 2024 at 5:46 AM

    Thanks for this reminder. As I’m finding in life there are lots of opportunities to be the”salt”. Even for a retired guy. People need the Lord now more than ever. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. God Bless you brother!

    ReplyDelete

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